WhatsApp to introduce voice calls in second quarter: founder | business

Tue, 25 Feb, 2014 12:01:18 AM

WhatsApp to introduce voice calls in second quarter: founder

FTimes-Xinhua Report, February 25

Co-founder and CEO of Whatsapp Jan Koum speaks during a press conference during the 2014 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 24, 2014 The Mobile World Congress runs from the 24 to 27 February where participants and visitors alike can attend conferences, network, discover cutting-edge products and technologies at among the 1,700 exhibitors as well as seek industry opportunities and make deals. Photo – AFP / Lehtikuva.

WhatsApp intends to add voice calling to its free text messaging service in the second quarter of 2014, it was announced on Monday.

The announcement answers some of the questions behind WhatsApp's recent purchase by Facebook for a price of 19 billion U.S. dollars.

Addressing the opening day of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, WhatsApp founder and chief executive Jan Koum confirmed the aim was to introduce voice calls, initially on the iPhone and Android.

Windows Phones and BlackBerrys will be included at a later date.

"We are adding voice to WhatsApp so that people can stay in touch with friends and loved ones no matter where they are in the world," said Koum.

Facebook and WhatsApp logos are displayed on portable electronic devices on February 19, 2014 in San Francisco City. Facebook Inc. announced that it will purchase smartphone-messaging app company WhatsApp Inc. for $19 billion in cash and stock. Photo – AFP / Lehtikuva.

"We use the least amount of bandwidth and we have optimized it. We have made sure the quality is there," Koum said, adding there were no other plans to change his company in the new Facebook era.

"WhatsApp will continue to function as if it is an independent company without adding to its small staff of just 55 employees as the intention is for it to be able to remain as adaptable as possible," he said.

WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging application which allows people to exchange messages without having to pay for short message service, according to the company's website.

Finland Times